Sarsaparilla
Smilax officinalis, Other Smilax spp• Sasparilla
• Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Fungal, Cancer (Anti-Cancer) , Sexual Dysfunction , Menstrual Disorders , Sports and Fitness Support: Enhancing Performance
Vine-like plants in the sarsaparilla family are found in many parts of the world. The most common form, Smilax officinalis , is grown primarily in Jamaica. Other common forms include S. glyciphylla (Australia), S. japicanga (Brazil), S. glabra (Sri Lanka), S. china (China), and S. luzonensis (Malaysia). The root is the part used medicinally.
Traditionally, various forms of sarsaparilla have been use to treat cancer, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin diseases. These uses are all tied together by an outdated treatment concept known as “blood purification.” It was thought that numerous ailments, including skin diseases, cancer, and other conditions, were due to impurities in the blood. Herbs said to have blood purifying properties, such as sarsaparilla, were used to correct this traditionally acknowledged problem.
Additionally, sarsaparilla was recommended for joint pain, “female problems,” and syphilis.
An entirely different plant, Aralia nudicaulis, is sometimes called “Wild Sarsaparilla.” However, it is more closely related to ginseng than to the forms of sarsaparilla discussed here.
Sarsaparilla should also not be confused with sassafras , a flavoring traditionally used in root beer.
What Is Sarsaparilla Used for Today?
There are no medicinal uses of sarsaparilla with meaningful scientific support.
Extremely weak evidence, far too weak to be relied upon at all, hints at possible antifungal, 1 anti-inflammatory, 2-4 and anti-cancer 5-7 effects.
Like numerous other herbs, sarsaparilla contains substances in the saponin family. One of these, sarsasapogenin, is often said to reproduce the effect of various hormones. However, there is no evidence whatsoever to support this claim.
Based on traditional usage, as well as ungrounded extrapolation from test tube findings, sarsaparilla is sold today as a treatment for psoriasis and other skin problems as well as cancer, menstrual disorders, and asthma . Other unsubstantiated uses include enhancing sexual function, improving mental function in Alzheimer’s disease , protecting the liver, and improving sports performance.
Dosage
A typical dose of sarsaparilla is 2-4 g three times per day. Various tinctures are also available; these should be taken according to label instructions.
Safety Issues
Although the use of sarsaparilla has not been associated with any serious adverse consequences, comprehensive safety studies have not been performed. Sarsaparilla is traditionally not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Safety in young children and people with liver or kidney disease is also questionable.
As with most substances taken orally, sarsaparilla may cause gastrointestinal distress. Germany’s Commission E also reports short-term “kidney irritation” as a side effect; what this means, precisely, remains unclear.
Note that though various species of sarsaparilla are often used somewhat interchangeably; it is quite possible that some varieties of this plant are safer than others.
Finally, some sarsaparilla products have been found to contain unsafe levels of lead. 8
References
1. Sautour M, Miyamoto T, Lacaille-Dubois MA. Steroidal saponins from Smilax medica and their antifungal activity. J Nat Prod. 2005;68:1489-1493.
2. Shao B, Guo H, Cui Y et al. Steroidal saponins from Smilax china and their anti-inflammatory activities. Phytochemistry. 2007;68:623-630.
3. Xu J, Li X, Zhang P et al. Anti-inflammatory constituents from the roots of Smilax bockii warb. Arch Pharm Res. 2005;28:395-399.
4. Shu XS, Gao ZH, Yang XL. Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of Smilax china L. aqueous extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006;103:327-332.
5. Thabrew MI, Mitry RR, Morsy MA et al. Cytotoxic effects of a decoction of Nigella sativa, Hemidesmus indicus and Smilax glabra on human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Life Sci. 2005;77:1319-1330.
6. Cox SD, Jayasinghe KC, Markham JL. Antioxidant activity in Australian native sarsaparilla ( Smilax glyciphylla ). J Ethnopharmacol. 2005;101:162-168.
7. Kuo YH, Hsu YW, Liaw CC et al. Cytotoxic phenylpropanoid glycosides from the stems of Smilax china. J Nat Prod. 2005;68:1475-1478.
8. Ang HH, Lee KL, Kiyoshi M. Determination of lead in Smilax luzonensis herbal preparations in Malaysia. Int J Toxicol. 2005;24:165-171.
Last reviewed April 2009 by EBSCO CAM Review Board
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